When Illinois lawmakers decide on an assault weapons ban, one group they won’t get any support from is the Illinois Sheriff’s Association.

The association released a statement saying sheriffs across the state believe it’s their responsibiility to uphold the constitution, including the second amendment.

It went on to say “rational law-abiding citizens are not the cause of random acts of horrific violence.”The association says the focus should be on the lack of mental health services in our country.

“What happens is we end up in jails housing people that are mentally ill that need to be in an institution instead of a jail,” said St. Clair Couty Sheriff Rick Watson. “And yes that is a problem if those folks get guns because you never know what they’re going to do.”

The Madison County sheriff was not available, but told News 4 he’s in complete agreement with the sheriff’s association on this issue as well.